Out of the Hollows
When Brighton & Hove City Council met on the 27th February 2025 to vote on school admissions reform, it marked the culmination of a twenty-year fight for change. From the community of Whitehawk — once hidden in the city’s hollows — to the council chamber.In this third and final episode of our three-part second series, we take you inside the decisive vote that could reshape education in Brighton for a generation. We meet the campaigners, parents and educators who’ve spent years pushing for a fairer system. Alongside their stories, we explore how power really works in our education system, from legal threats and leaked letters to the quiet pressures inside council meetings and school governance.As Brighton takes this historic step toward greater social mix in schools, we ask: what kind of city do we want to be — and who gets to decide? After a campaign that has divided our city, this episode ends with a call: now is the time to come together — and build a fairer future, for every child.Donate to support our workFeatured GuestsRose - Parent and Volunteer, Class DivideEmily – Parent and Volunteer, Class DivideDave – Parent and Class Divide campaignerEssie – Parent, Working-class academic, Volunteer at Equity in EducationAlice – Parent, from Preston Park in BrightonCarlie Goldsmith – Co-founder, Class DivideProfessor Danny Dorling – Professor of Geography, University of OxfordProfessor Sam Friedman – Professor of Sociology, London School of EconomicsProfessor Diane Reay – Professor of Education, University of CambridgeOliver Percy – Barrister, education law specialist, School Inclusion ProjectRachelle Otulakowski – Headteacher, Longhill High SchoolDaniel Yates – Former Leader, Brighton & Hove City CouncilFurther Reading & ReportsWho Is Losing Learning? – Report by IPPR and The DifferenceCreative Industries Class Report – Policy and Evidence Centre for the Creative IndustriesSocial Mobility and Class Ceiling Studies – Sam Friedman’s researchMusic CreditsMusic in this series was kindly donated by Olivier Alary, Maaja Nuut, Rumm, Neil Hale, Salvatore Mercatante, Polypores, Minor Pieces, Shida Shahabi, Max de Wardener, Simon James, Rutger Hoedemaekers, Toydrum, The Official Body, Benjamin Harrison, Traams, and Clarice Jensen. Thanks to Alex at Fat Cat Records, and Colin at Castles in Space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.